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The Green Bay Packers ought to be in Super Bowl contention as long as Aaron Rodgers is under center. General manager Ted Thompson has made sure one of Rodgers' top targets in Randall Cobb stays around to kick off the team's free-agent foray in positive fashion.
Continue for updates.
Report: Packers Re-Sign Cobb to 4-Year Deal
Saturday, March 7
ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reports that Green Bay will keep Cobb in the fold for years to come, while NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added further financial details:
Cobb recorded 91 receptions for 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014, with the best year of his career giving him maximum leverage if he had truly explored his options on the open market. He instead rewarded the Packers with a hometown discount of sorts.
Although Green Bay could have likely survived without Cobb, despite his immense talents, Thompson didn't exactly break the bank to retain the 24-year-old Pro Bowler.
It's hard to imagine playing for a much better QB than Rodgers, which had to have factored into Cobb's decision to stay. Since he could conceivably produce more in the years to come, Cobb figures to have a shot at another huge contract before his career is over.
Report: Tramon Williams Rejects 2-Year Offer
Wednesday, March 4
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn reports that Williams turned down a two-year contract worth $8 million, adding more context as to what Williams' likely value is on the open market:
Williams would prefer returning to Green Bay but is seeking a three- or even four-year contract averaging at least $5 million. The source said Williams wanted significant guaranteed money as protection against being released.
Last week, a personnel director for an NFC team estimated Williams' value on the free-agent market at about $5 million per year. An executive in personnel for another NFC team said Williams should command an average of between $4 and $6 million.
Williams was beaten by Seattle Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kerase for the winning touchdown in overtime of the Packers' divisional playoff loss.
However, the 31-year-old longtime Packers cornerback has exceptional coverage skills, still possesses good speed and can play on a strong defense as a complementary player. Green Bay's unit has lacked star power for years.
McGinn also reports the Seattle Seahawks are in hot pursuit of Williams, which makes sense given that Byron Maxwell is reportedly headed to Philadelphia, per ESPN's Josina Anderson.
With Richard Sherman almost taking away one half of the field, Williams would be an ideal starter opposite him, with star safeties in Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor also around to lean on.
Report: Packers Willing to Keep Cobb for Right Price
Tuesday, March 3
Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has some inside information regarding what the Packers are willing to pay Cobb. Although the price is quite lucrative, Cobb's agent, Jimmy Sexton, believes he can coax a greater payday for his client elsewhere:
According to sources, Sexton has been told by the Packers they'll sign Cobb to a five-year contract averaging in the $8 million to $9 million range. Sexton basically has told the team he's confident more lucrative offers await come Saturday.
"Sexton does a good job for his players," an executive in personnel for an NFL team said. "He measures the market well and knows how to create a market for his clients as well.
For Randall, it's perfectly timed. He had a very good season. Making it tougher for the Packers is the franchise tags that were used at the position."
Despite using four consecutive first-round draft picks on defense, Thompson still has to view that side of the ball as the Packers' clear weakness.
Dedicating so much money to Cobb when Green Bay has another promising young wideout in Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson already in the fold seems almost like overkill. Rodgers would benefit from a stronger defense while still being able to produce at an elite level whether Cobb is around or not.
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